Carrying case for architectural drawings and supplies

ABSTRACT

A carrying bag for carrying architectural drawings and supplies is disclosed. The carrying bag comprises a main bag portion and a front pocket portion. The main bag portion is sufficiently long to carry architectural drawings. The front pocket portion comprises a main pocket for carrying standard sized documents, and may optionally further comprise at least one sub-pocket for carrying a variety of other supplies. The carrying bag may also comprise a shoulder strap for carrying the bag, and an auxiliary pocket for carrying long, slender objects.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/518,967, filed Nov. 10, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to carrying cases for architectural drawings and supplies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, architects, engineers, contractors and developers roll their drawings or plans and either cover them with craft paper for protection or contain them within long mailing tubes. However, there are several disadvantages to these carrying methods. First, wrapping the plans in craft paper alone fails to protect the plans from being creased or folded. Second, the long mailing tubes are often used and re-used such that they become dirty, thereby contaminating the plans contained within them. Also, plans contained within these long mailing tubes are often difficult to remove, resulting in the plans being torn or wrinkled.

In addition, architects, engineers, contractors and developers often have standard-sized documents that they must carry along with their plans. Generally, these standard-sized documents are carried separately from the plans in a separate briefcase or other suitable carrying case. This means for carrying plans as well as other standard-sized documents in separate carrying cases is burdensome. Accordingly, a need exists to combine a carrying case for plans and drawings with a carrying case for standard-sized documents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is drawn to a carrying case for architectural drawings and supplies. In one embodiment, the carrying case comprises a main bag portion, a front pocket portion, an auxiliary pocket and a shoulder strap. In one embodiment, the main bag portion has a rounded bottom and an open top with a tongue to prevent entrance of undesirable elements into the interior of the bag. The main bag portion is preferably fastened shut with a nylon cord and unitary fastening device.

The front pocket portion preferably comprises a main pocket for carrying standard-sized documents. The front pocket portion preferably further comprises a plurality of sub-pockets for carrying various materials and supplies. The front pocket portion also preferably comprises a flip-over covering flap fastened at the bottom of the front pocket portion. Additionally, the carrying case preferably comprises an auxiliary pocket for carrying long and slender materials and supplies.

The shoulder carrying strap preferably includes a ring and hook for carrying a small bag. In addition, the carrying strap preferably comprises two separate ends connected together such that the strap is manually adjustable. The carrying strap is preferably padded for comfortable carrying.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a main bag portion and a front pocket portion with a flap open according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a main bag portion and a shoulder carrying strap according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a main bag portion, a front pocket portion with a flap open and an auxiliary pocket according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a main bag portion, a shoulder carrying strap and an auxiliary pocket according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a main bag portion and a front pocket portion with a flap closed according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a tongue flipped over the back of the top of a main bag portion according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a shoulder strap according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the present invention comprises a main bag portion 10 of a length sufficient to carry architectural drawings or similarly sized documents. Preferably, the length of the main bag portion 10 is between 32 and 37 inches. The main bag portion 10 has a closed bottom 12 that is generally round in shape. Preferably, the main bag portion 10 has a width of 13 inches when laid flat, and a diameter of about 8 inches. The main bag portion 10 has an open top 14 that can be fastened, e.g., with a nylon cord 16 extending through a channel 18 sewn around the circumference of the uppermost end of the main bag portion 10. In this embodiment, the two ends of the nylon cord 16 are attached to a unitary fastening device 20, such as a grommet. To fasten the main bag portion 10, the two ends of the nylon cord 16 are pulled outwardly from the main bag portion 10 and the grommet 20 is moved inwardly toward the main bag portion 10 to prevent the channel 18 of the main bag portion 10 from loosening once it is fastened. The top of the main bag portion 10 also comprises a round tongue 22, as shown in FIG. 6, resting immediately below the channel 18 containing the nylon cord 16 and capable of extending across the mouth of the bag and covering the contents of the main bag portion 10. The tongue 22 is attached at one edge to the inside surface of the main bag portion 10 and preferably functions to prevent the entrance of undesirable elements, such as rain, from entering the interior of the main bag portion 10. The main bag portion 10 optionally further comprises a hanging loop 60 (See FIG. 2) attached near the top of the main bag portion 10 for hanging the carrying bag on a hook or the like.

Attached to the main bag portion 10, is a front pocket portion 24, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The front pocket portion 24 preferably comprises a plurality of sub-pockets and a covering flap 26 attached at the back side of the top of the front pocket portion 24, that may be flipped over the top of the front pocket portion 24 and removably fastened at the bottom 28 of the front side of the front pocket portion 24. At the top right and left sides of the covering flap 26, darts (not shown) may be sewn into the fabric of the covering flap 26. These darts preferably extend approximately 1.5 inches diagonally toward the middle of the covering flap 26. These darts allow the covering flap 26 to cover the entire front pocket portion 24 when the front pocket portion 24 contains bulky items. The right and left side of the covering flap 26, as well as the bottom of the flap 26, may be hemmed for added protection to the edges of the flap 26. The covering flap 26 preferably measures 12 inches wide by 12 inches long and is preferably removably fastened at the bottom 28 of the front pocket portion 24 by any means, including, but not limited to Velcro (loop and pile fastener). Snaps could also be used.

In one embodiment, the front pocket portion 24 includes a top opening main pocket 30, preferably 12 inches wide and 12 inches long, that may be used for carrying standard sized documents. The main pocket 30 also comprises a fastening device 32 to fasten the pocket to the sleeve of the front pocket portion 24. This fastening device 32 may be of any kind, including, but not limited to Velcro or snaps. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the main pocket 30 is covered by an inner flip-over flap 30 a, removably fastened to the outer surface of the main pocket 30 by any means, including but not limited to Velcro or snaps.

Mounted on the right side of the sleeve of the main pocket 30 is a first sub-pocket 34, preferably 6 inches wide and 8 inches long. This first sub-pocket 34 may be used for carrying a personal desktop assistant. The first sub-pocket 34 also comprises a fastening device 36 affixed to the inner lining of the pocket sleeve to fasten the pocket to the sleeve of the main pocket 30. The fastening device 36 may be of any kind, including, but not limited to Velcro or snaps. Mounted on the sleeve of the first sub-pocket 34 are four sub-pockets 38 that may be used for carrying writing utensils and/or measuring instruments (hereinafter “pen-pockets”). The first of these pen-pockets 38 is positioned atop the right side of the first sub-pocket 34 and preferably measures about 1 and {fraction (3/4)} inches wide and stretches the length of the first sub-pocket 34. The remaining three pen-pockets 38 are located to the left of the first pen-pocket 38 and each preferably measures about 1 and {fraction (1/4)} inches and stretches the length of the first sub-pocket 34.

Mounted on the left side of the main pocket 30 is a second sub-pocket 40, preferably 6 inches wide and 9 inches long. Alternatively, the first sub-pocket 34 and second sub-pocket 40 may have the same dimensions. The second sub-pocket 40 may be used for carrying bulky items. Mounted on the bottom-middle section of the sleeve of the second sub-pocket 40 is a transparent pocket 42 preferably measuring about 4 inches wide and approximately 3 inches long. This transparent pocket 42 preferably comprises a clear plastic front 44, and may be used for carrying business cards. Mounted on the top-right section of the second sub-pocket 40 is a clip 46 that may be used for holding keys or similar goods.

As depicted in FIGS. 3 through 5, mounted on the side of the main bag portion 10, behind the main pocket 30 and to the left of the second sub-pocket 40, is an auxiliary pocket 48, preferably measuring about 12 inches long and about 1 inch in diameter. The auxiliary pocket 48 is preferably formed as a cylindrical loop of fabric with each side edge attached together along the line of attachment to the bag. It has an open top and a closed bottom. This auxiliary pocket 48 may be used to carry a scale ruler or similarly shaped goods or tools.

Alternative arrangements of the front pocket portion 24 and the auxiliary pocket 48 are possible. For instance, the covering flap may not be hemmed or may not contain darts sewn at the top right and left sides. Also, the first sub-pocket 34 may be mounted on the left side of the front pocket portion 24, and the second sub-pocket 40 may be mounted on the right side of the front pocket portion 24. Additionally, the transparent pocket 42 may be mounted anywhere on the front pocket portion 24, including, but not limited to the covering flap, the first sub-pocket 34 and/or the second sub-pocket 40. The plastic clip 46 may also be mounted anywhere on the front pocket portion 24, including, but not limited to, the covering flap. Also, the auxiliary pocket 48 may be mounted either to the right or to the left of the front pocket portion 24.

Stretching diagonally across the back of the main bag portion 10, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 7, is a shoulder carrying strap 50. This strap 50 may be in one piece. Preferably, however, as shown in FIG. 7, one end of the shoulder strap 50 is attached to the top 14 of the main bag portion 10 approximately 4 inches underneath the channel 18 containing the nylon cord 16. This end of the strap 50 extends downwardly and diagonally to the middle of the main bag portion 10, and is preferably about 26 inches long. The top of this end of the strap 50 is preferably about 5.5 inches wide. This width tapers to a width of approximately 4 inches after a length of approximately 7.5 inches. The opposite end of the shoulder strap 50 is preferably attached to the side of the main bag portion 10 approximately 0.5 inch to the left of the seam of the auxiliary pocket 50. This opposite end of the strap 50 extends upwardly and diagonally to the middle of the bag portion 10, and is preferably about 19 inches long. The bottom of this end of the strap 50 is preferably about 8.5 inches wide. This width tapers to a width of approximately 4 inches after a length of approximately 10 inches. The ends of the two ends of the strap 50, meeting in the middle of the main bag portion 10, are both generally rounded in shape. Both ends of the strap 50 are hemmed on all sides, including the rounded top or bottom. The two ends are attached together in the middle of the main bag portion 10 with a suitable fastening device 51, such as Velcro or snaps. The end of the strap 50 attached to the top of the main bag portion 10 is attached atop the opposite end of the strap 50. The fastening device 51 preferably allows the length of the shoulder carrying strap 50 to be manually adjustable. For instance, strips of Velcro may be used. To allow for adjustability, the length of the Velcro strips of the fastening device 51 are preferably about 10 inches. Preferably, the shoulder strap 50 is padded for comfort.

Mounted in the middle of the shoulder strap 50 is a plastic ring 52, onto which one end of a hook 54 may be fastened. The plastic ring 52 may be mounted to the strap 50 by any suitable means. Preferably, the plastic ring 52 is attached to a fabric loop 50 a sewn underneath a small, slender fabric patch 52 a, sewn horizontally across the width of the strap 50. This slender patch is preferably about 4 inches wide and about 1 inch long. Fastened to the opposite end of the hook 54 may be a small bag 56 with a flip-over cover 58 that is removably fastened to the main portion of the small bag 56. The fastening device (not shown) may be of any kind, including, but not limited to, Velcro. The small bag 56 may be used for carrying a cellular telephone.

Also mounted in the middle of the shoulder carrying strap 50, beneath the plastic ring 52, is a long, slender patch of fabric 51 a extending upwardly from the bottom of the end of the strap 50 attached to the top of the main bag portion 10. The patch is preferably about 5 inches long and about 1 inch wide. The patch is preferably sewn to the carrying strap 50 in four separate places: into the bottom hem of the strap 50, at the top of the patch, at a location approximately 1.5 inches from the top of the patch, and at a location approximately 2 inches from the bottom of the patch. As a result of this sewing pattern, three loops are created in the fabric patch. These loops can be used for any suitable purpose, including but not limited to attaching additional hooks for carrying tools and/or supplies.

Alternative embodiments of the carrying strap 50 are possible. For instance, the end of the strap 50 opposite the end connected to the top 14 of the main bag portion 10 may be attached either to the right or the left of the front pocket portion 24. Additionally, the plastic ring 52 may be made of any suitable alternative material, including, but not limited to metal, and may be located anywhere on the carrying strap 50. Also, the fabric patch may be made of any suitable length, may contain any number of loops, and may be located anywhere on the carrying strap.

All components of this invention may comprise any durable yet lightweight material, such that the bag may preferably carry a load of up to 80 pounds. Preferably, the components comprise 600 D Cordura/Nylon.

The preceding description has been presented with reference to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. Workers skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structure may be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principal, spirit and scope of this invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description should not be read as pertaining only to the precise structures described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but rather should be read consistent with and as support for the following claims which are to have their fullest and fairest scope. 

1. A carrying bag comprising: a main bag portion having a length sufficient to carry architectural drawings; and a front pocket portion attached to the main bag portion and adapted for carrying standard-sized documents.
 2. The carrying bag according to claim 1, wherein the main bag portion has a length ranging from about 32 inches to about 37 inches.
 3. The carrying bag according to claim 1, wherein the main bag portion comprises an open top and a closed bottom.
 4. The carrying bag according to claim 3, further comprising means for reversibly closing the open top of the main bag portion.
 5. The carrying bag according to claim 4, wherein the means for reversibly closing the open top of the main bag portion comprises: a cord having two ends disposed in a channel in the uppermost end of the main bag portion; and a unitary fastening device attached to both ends of the cord.
 6. The carrying bag according to claim 1, further comprising means for removably covering the open top of the main bag portion.
 7. The carrying bag according to claim 6, wherein the means for removably covering the open top of the main bag portion comprises a tongue disposed at or near the top of the main bag portion.
 8. The carrying bag according to claim 1, wherein the front pocket portion comprises a main pocket and at least one sub-pocket mounted on the main pocket.
 9. The carrying bag according to claim 8, wherein the front pocket portion further comprises a flap for removably covering the main pocket.
 10. The carrying bag according to claim 8, where the main pocket of the front pocket portion is top opening.
 11. The carrying bag according to claim 8, wherein the main pocket is about 12 inches long and about 12 inches wide.
 12. The carrying bag according to claim 8, wherein the at least one sub-pocket comprises a sub-pocket having a length of about 8 inches and a width of about 6 inches.
 13. The carrying bag according to claim 8, wherein the at least one sub-pocket comprises a sub-pocket having a length of about 9 inches and a width of about 6 inches.
 14. The carrying bag according to claim 8, wherein the at least one sub-pocket comprises first and second sub-pockets.
 15. The carrying bag according to claim 1, further comprising at least one pen pocket mounted on the main pocket of the front pocket portion.
 16. The carrying bag according to claim 1, further comprising a transparent pocket mounted on the main pocket of the front pocket portion.
 17. The carrying bag according to claim 1, further comprising a covering flap for covering the front pocket portion.
 18. The carrying bag according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary pocket mounted on the main bag portion.
 19. The carrying bag according to claim 18, wherein the auxiliary pocket comprises a cylindrical loop having a length of about 12 inches, and a diameter of about 1 inch.
 20. The carrying bag according to claim 1, further comprising a shoulder strap mounted on the main bag portion.
 21. The carrying bag according to claim 20, wherein the shoulder strap comprises: a first strap having first and second ends, the first end of the first strap being mounted to the top of the main bag portion; and a second strap having first and second ends, the first end of the second strap being mounted to the bottom of the main bag portion; wherein the second end of the first strap and the second end of the second strap extend approximately to the center of the main bag portion, and are removably attached at or near the center of the main bag portion such that the length of the shoulder strap is manually adjustable.
 22. A carrying bag comprising: a main bag portion having a length sufficient to carry architectural drawings; and a front pocket portion attached to the main bag portion, the front pocket portion comprising a main pocket and at least one sub pocket mounted on the main pocket.
 23. The carrying bag according to claim 22, wherein the at least one sub-pocket comprises a sub-pocket having a length of about 8 inches and a width of about 6 inches.
 24. The carrying bag according to claim 22, wherein the at least one sub-pocket comprises a sub-pocket having a length of about 9 inches and a width of about 6 inches.
 25. The carrying bag according to claim 22, wherein the at least one sub-pocket comprises first and second sub-pockets.
 26. The carrying bag according to claim 22, further comprising at least one pen pocket mounted on the main pocket of the front pocket portion.
 27. The carrying bag according to claim 22, further comprising a transparent pocket mounted on the front pocket portion.
 28. A carrying bag comprising: a main bag portion having a length sufficient to carry architectural drawings; a front pocket portion attached to the main bag portion, the front pocket portion comprising a main pocket and at least one sub-pocket mounted on the main pocket; and an auxiliary pocket attached to the main bag portion.
 29. A carrying bag comprising: a main bag portion having a length sufficient to carry architectural drawings; a front pocket portion attached to the main bag portion, the front pocket portion comprising a main pocket and at least one sub-pocket mounted on the main pocket; and a shoulder strap attached to the main bag portion.
 30. A carrying bag comprising: a main bag portion having a length sufficient to carry architectural drawings; a front pocket portion attached to the main bag portion, the front pocket portion comprising a main pocket and at least one sub-pocket mounted on the main pocket; an auxiliary pocket attached to the main bag portion; and a shoulder strap attached to the main bag portion. 